Metro-North West Haven Station to open Aug. 18

The parking scramble officially begins this week for access to the new West Haven Station on Metro-North Railroad's New Haven Line, in anticipation of the station's opening for service on Aug. 18.

Connecticut's Department of Transportation says the process to purchase parking permits for the new West Haven Rail Station will begin this week, with space for 658 vehicles.

"The opening of West Haven Station is an exciting opportunity for us to help alleviate traffic congestion along the busy Interstate 95 corridor," Connecticut DOT Commissioner James Redeker said in a statement. "This long anticipated station will serve the needs of residents and businesses in the community of West Haven."

Rail riders will be allowed to use the West Haven Station parking lot for free until Sept. 1.

The $80 million station originally was scheduled to open on June 1, 2013. The project includes restoration of the fourth track on the New Haven Line for most of the distance between New Haven, the eastern terminus of Metro-North service, and Woodmont, Conn.